Page 47 of His Best Friend's Baby

Seth went home early, leaving Vince and Rory to lock up the workshop. Having hired professional cleaners, he knew his house was safe and ready for an inquisitive little one-year-old and he’d planned a barbecue for their evening meal. Low stress, little fuss.

He’d also stocked up on drinks, making a wide selection, as he was uncertain of Polly’s tastes. And if it turned out she wasn’t a drinker, Seth was pretty bloody sure he was going to need a stiff one. Or three. He felt weirdly strung out.

With military precision, Polly arrived bang on time and Seth, showered and changed into casual jeans and a loosely hanging shirt, was ready and waiting to help her with luggage.

From the moment she climbed out of the car, she looked different. Happier and more confident. Today the spectacles were gone—she must be wearing contact lenses—and her bright blue eyes were as clear as glass.

And then there was the vibrant, deep-pink stripe that framed one side of her face. Seth had seen the selfie she’d sent, and he knew it was a clever contrast with her shiny black hair, but now he could see how the ribbon of pink flowed and swung with the fall of her hair and he may have stood there staring for rather longer than was necessary.

He also couldn’t help noticing that Polly’s figure was trim again and, damn it, she was wearing a slim-fitting sheath dress that showed off her delicate feminine curves. The dress was in a shade of blue that matched her eyes and it was quite short, so her slim, pale legs were on display. She looked so lovely, he feared he might lose it and do something stupid.

She was laughing as she collected plump, smiling Summer from her car seat. Motherhood clearly suited her.

With an effort, Seth remembered his role as host. ‘So good to see you, Polly.’ He gave her a kiss on the cheek, and caught the scent of something fresh and flowery. He gave Summer a quick kiss too and the baby laughed and tried to grab at his shirt collar.

Summer had grown so quickly. She had curly, rusty-gold hair and Polly’s blue eyes and she looked full of mischief. Seth remembered that miraculous moment a year ago when he’d first held her.

Yeah, right, best not to dwell on that.

‘Let me help with the luggage,’ he said.

‘Thanks.’ Polly was still smiling. ‘I know I’ve brought way too much stuff, but babies seem to need so much. Oh, and the birthday cakes are in that cool bag on the back seat.’

‘Did you say cakes?’ Seth couldn’t help asking. ‘Summer gets more than one?’

Polly grinned. ‘There’s a healthy smash cake for her and a yummy chocolate one for us.’

‘Right.’ Showed how little he knew about catering for one-year-olds.

The next minutes were busy with unloading and working out who would carry what.

‘I’ll come back for the cakes and that other bag,’ Seth said and then he led Polly inside.

‘Oh, I love your sofa,’ she commented as soon as they entered the living area.

Seth sent a nod back over his shoulder. Was she remembering the awkward camping chair? He didn’t like to ask.

They reached the spare bedroom, ready with a double bed, covered in a tasteful grey silk spread, with the new bedside tables and elegant lamps, and a folding cot in the corner for Summer.

‘Oh,’ said Polly, stopping in the doorway. ‘This is different.’

Seth hiked an eyebrow. ‘Too different?’

She obviously wasn’t sure how to answer this politely.

‘It’s designed for guests,’ Seth said. ‘Guests like my parents, I guess.’

‘Of course.’ Polly smiled at him now.

‘Not to your taste?’

‘It’s lovely, Seth, but it’s just a different vibe from the rest of your house. It’s very different from your bedroom.’ As soon as she said this, Polly turned bright red. ‘Oh, God,’ she cried. ‘That did not come out the way I meant it to.’

‘No probs.’ Seth managed a smile, but he was afraid that his face might be flaming too. ‘I’ll get the rest of your gear.’ He made a hasty exit.

*

By nightfall, Pollywas wondering if she’d made a serious mistake.

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